Watford have made a bright start to Slavisa Jokanovic’s reign. The Hornets lead 2-0 at half time of their match with Sheffield Wednesday thanks to goals from Odion Ighalo and Almen Abdi.

Set up by Jokanovic for the first time, Watford started in a 4-1-2-2-1 formation. Heurelho Gomes was in goal behind a back four of Daniel Pudil, Joel Ekstrand, debutant Sebestien Bassong and Lloyd Doyley.

Daniel Tozser was deep in midfield with Almen Abdi and Gianni Munari either side of him. Matej Vydra and Fernando Forestieri played off Ighalo.

The opening exchanges passed without major incident. The home side saw efforts from Gary Madine and Stevie May avoid their goal and, bar a Fernando Forestieri shot that was easily saved from Westwood, the Hornets hadn’t threatened.

That changed in 21st minute, the Golden Boys broke the deadlock. Forestieri clipped the ball over the Owls’ high defensive line.

The hosts appealed for offside while Watford played on. Vydra was through on goal but unselfishly squared to teammate Ighalo who easily tapped home from close range.

The Hornets were comfortable for the majority of the opening period. They moved the ball neatly across the pitch but looked more likely to add to their lead on the counter.

And that’s exactly what happened. A Sheffield Wednesday attack broke down and Watford moved forward at pace. 

Vydra slid the ball to Forestieri but his pass to Abdi was sloppy. The midfielder collected the ball and evaded a challenge before releasing a tame shot from 20 yards.

It shouldn’t have troubled Westwood, let alone go in. But the goalkeeper - who moments earlier received treatment for an apparent head injury - let the ball squirm through his hands and the Hornets took a 2-0 lead into the half time interval. 

Sheffield Wednesday:Westwood; Palmer, Loovens, Lees, Mattock; Hope, Lee, Hutchinson (Semedo 7), Maghoma; May, Madine.

Sheffield Wednesday substitutes: Kirkland, Nuhiu, Drenthe, Coke, Helan, Dielna.

Watford Gomes; Doyley, Ekstrand, Bassong, Pudil; Abdi, Tozser, Munari; Vydra, Forestieri; Ighalo.

Watford substitutes: Bond; Deeney, McGugan, Paredes, Murray, Dyer, Hoban.